WWII veteran Aimo Reinikainen and four cultural figures receive Tampere's 2026 civic awards

According to the City of Tampere, a Second World War veteran and four prominent cultural figures received Tampere’s highest civic honours on Tampere Day. The 2026 awards recognise lifetime service to veteran heritage and major contributions to theatre, literature and music.

The veteran honoured is Aimo Reinikainen, born in 1924 in Pieksämäki, who served as a machine-gun squad leader in the Continuation War on the Maaselkä isthmus. After the war he trained as an electrical engineer in Tampere and worked at Tampere University of Technology. In retirement he has been active in veterans’ organisations, serving on the board of the War Veterans’ League, on the Tampere War Veterans’ Welfare Association and participating in the Tammenlehvän Pirkanmaa Heritage Association.

The awards also went to theatre artist Tanjalotta Räikkä, who has spent more than four decades as an actor, director and playwright and helped found Teatteri Telakka. She played a key role in shaping the artistic leadership of both Teatteri Telakka and the Tampere Theatre Festival.

Author Annukka Salama was recognised as an innovator in young adult literature. Her debut Käärmeenlumooja was a Topelius nominee in 2013, and her books explore youth identity, relationships and social themes.

Rap artist Tuomas Kostiainen, known as Costi, was honoured for his impact on Finnish rap after releasing three albums between 2022 and 2025 that all reached top positions on the official Finnish album chart and together accrued tens of millions of streams.

The Tampere Award is the city’s highest honour, given annually on Tampere Day and first presented in 1959. Since 2016 the prize has been the glass artwork Tammerkosken kuohu by Markku Salo, symbolising the city’s traditions and renewal. The city also awards First Class gold medals and special prizes to recognise achievements in other fields.